vcc.ca
BIOL 2104: Introduction to Ecology
Effective date
September 2016
Department
UT Sciences
School
Arts and Sciences
Description
This course introduces abiotic and biotic environmental relationships and dynamics; ecological concepts; population dynamics, variation, adaptation and evolution. Topics include distribution of organisms, food chain and food web dynamics, energy and matter flow and cycles. Additional topics include species interactions such as competition, predation and symbiosis, and behavioural ecology.
Credits
3.0
Year of study
2nd Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
BIOL 1100 and BIOL 1200 both with a 'C-' minimum.
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Explain patterns observed in nature by applying fundamental ecological theories.
- Communicate clearly about ecological systems and processes by applying appropriate ecological terminology.
- Describe the contributions of important ecologists and the historical development of the discipline in order to understand contemporary ecological issues in a modern context.
- Critically evaluate primary ecological literature and interpret case studies in the context of ecological theory.
- Formulate solutions to modern ecological problems by applying ecological theory.
- Navigate spreadsheets in Excel, calculate means and standard errors, construct appropriate graphs, and describe trends in ecological data.
- Find electronically, read for comprehension, and critically analyze primary scientific papers on a specific ecological topic.
- Develop and present a research proposal (including a review of literature, statement of hypothesis and predictions, appropriate research methodology, and anticipated results) on an ecological topic.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 60
Total Hours: 60
Total Hours: 60
Instructional Strategies
The course will have lectures, clicker questions, in class discussions and participation activities. Tutorials will include case studies, independent written assignments, and group discussions.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
D
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Midterm Exam |
40 |
Two midterm exams |
|
Participation |
10 |
Participation in in-class activities |
|
Final Exam |
20 |
Final exam |
|
Assignments |
30 |
Two written assignments |
Course topics
- Overview of modern ecology in an historical context
- Models predicting population distribution and abundance
- Island biogeography
- Biotic and abiotic effects on species distribution and dispersal
- Population ecology including demographics, growth, and metapopulations
- Interactions between species including competition and predation
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.